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26/11 Accused Tahawur Rana Submits List of Lawyers for His Defense

Tahawur Rana, alleged mastermind in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case, has submitted a list of approximately ten lawyers of his choice for his defense. The Special NIA Court has directed the National Investigation Agency to contact these lawyers to ascertain their willingness to represent him. Rana's previous court-appointed lawyer has been discharged following his request to engage his own counsel. The court has adjourned the matter until March 12 for an update on the lawyer's consent.

Key Points: 26/11 Accused Tahawur Rana Chooses Defense Lawyers

  • Rana submits list of ~10 lawyers
  • Court directs NIA to contact them for consent
  • Previous legal aid counsel discharged
  • Case next heard on March 12
2 min read

26/11 Mumbai terror attack: Tahawur Rana gives names of lawyers of his choice to engage as his counsel

Tahawur Rana, extradited for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, submits a list of preferred lawyers to the NIA court. The case is adjourned to March 12.

"he wants to engage a counsel of his choice - Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma"

New Delhi, January 9

The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack alleged mastermind Tahawur Rana on Friday gave the names of some lawyers of his choice for engagement as his counsel. The names were submitted to the Special NIA Court at Patiala House.

The court has asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to contact those lawyers to ascertain who is willing to represent him and obtain consent. Rana has filed a list of around 10 lawyers from Delhi and outside Delhi.

Earlier, the court had granted him a call facility to speak with his family regarding the engagement of a lawyer of his choice.

Rana was provided a Legal Aid Counsel (LAC), Piyush Sachdeva, to represent him. However, he had expressed his wish to engage an advocate of his choice. Sachdeva was discharged from the case on Friday.

Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma heard Tahawur Rana, who stated that he wants to engage a counsel of his choice. After issuing directions to the NIA, the court listed the matter for March 12 to apprise it of the lawyer's consent.

Rana, who was extradited from the United States in April 2025, is currently in judicial custody following NIA interrogation in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. He was produced through video conferencing from Tihar Jail. During his appearance, he specifically mentioned Advocate M S Khan as one of his choices.

Tahawur Rana has been charge-sheeted by the NIA in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case. A supplementary charge sheet was filed in July 2025. The main charge sheet in the case was filed by the NIA in December 2011. The NIA had informed the court that Rana was confronted with substantial evidence related to the 26/11 attacks.

The supplementary charge sheet contains procedural documents such as the arrest memo, seizure memo and other related documents.

The 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin was extradited in connection with his alleged involvement in the November 26, 2008, Mumbai terror attacks. The devastating attack, orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed over 170 lives and left hundreds injured.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
He gets to choose from 10 lawyers? The victims didn't get a choice. While everyone deserves legal representation, the focus should remain on the evidence. The NIA must ensure this doesn't become another tactic to delay the proceedings.
A
Aman W
The fact that he was extradited after so many years is a victory in itself. Our agencies have worked hard. Now, the judicial system must show its strength. Let the trial be transparent and the punishment, if convicted, be exemplary.
S
Sarah B
I understand the need for due process, but reading this feels surreal. The attack was horrific. I hope the lawyers who take this case remember the gravity of what happened at the Taj, Oberoi, and CST. It's not just another case.
V
Vikram M
The court is following procedure, which is good. But we must be vigilant. These cases can drag on for decades. The March 12 hearing should not be just a formality. The nation is watching. #NeverForget2611
K
Kavya N
A respectful criticism: The article mentions he's a "Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin." His nationality and business are irrelevant. He is an accused in a terror attack on Indian soil. That should be the primary identity here.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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